Multivariate Analysis of the Relationship Between Dental Fluorosis Severity and Intelligence in Peruvian Schoolchildren

Moya-De-Calderón Z.; Monge R.A.; Aguilar C.C.; Calcina A.M.; Yepez-Alvarez M.; Besegato J.F.; Escalante-Otárola W.G. · Pesquisa Brasileira em Odontopediatria e Clinica Integrada (2026) · DOI: 10.1590/pboci.2026.105

Resumen

Objective: To explore the correlation between dental fluorosis (DF) and intelligence quotient (IQ) in 1063 schoolchildren from two districts in Arequipa, Peru, one located near a mining center. Sociodemographic and contextual variables were also analyzed. Material and Methods: DF was assessed using Dean's index, and IQ was measured with the Toni-2 Test. Maternal education, age, sex, and district of residence were recorded. Fluoride levels in water were determined using ion-selective potentiometry. Statistical analysis included chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman's correlation, and multiple linear regression models at a 5% significance level. Results: Most children without or with mild DF exhibited very superior IQ levels, while those with moderate to severe DF had average IQs. In the district near the mining center, higher fluoride levels coincided with average IQ scores and cases of low IQ. In contrast, the district with lower fluoride levels showed a predominance of very superior IQs and no low IQ cases. A weak negative correlation was observed between DF severity and IQ (ρ =-0.131). However, multivariate analysis revealed that maternal education and district of residence had stronger associations with IQ than fluorosis severity. Conclusion: While a slight inverse pattern between DF severity and IQ was observed, the adjusted analysis highlights the greater influence of contextual and sociodemographic factors, suggesting the need for more comprehensive evaluations in future studies.

Instituciones: Universidad Católica de Santa María